Events

Literary luminaries, an up-and-coming music star, artisan cuisine and libations from local donors such as Front Porch Farms and Sammy Hagar made for a wonderful evening for library supporters. The annual Beyond the Book Bash, held at the Throckmorton Theatre on Friday, September 30, raised nearly $80,000, proceeds of which support Mill Valley Library programs, services and an endowment that will fund them in perpetuity.

In the Beyond the Book Bash tradition, readings, performances, and film clips were woven together by way of a literary theme in a show produced by Tom Corwin. Nationally acclaimed authors such as New York Times bestselling author David Talbot, Michael Krasny, author and host of KQED’s forum, and award-winning poet Chinaka Hodge entertained the audience and music by local rising star Matt Jaffe rocked the house.

In addition to the talent and generosity of the performers, local businesses and private donors also contributed greatly to the evening. Equator Coffee & Tea’s new catering team, led by renowned chef and cookbook author Jennifer Bushnell, provided fine cuisine. Fort Point Beer, Picket Fence Vineyards and wine donated from the private collection of Caren and Nick Orum, as well as additional treats from Piazza D’Angelo and Mill Valley Market, rounded out the evening.

Before the show, event sponsors mingled with performers at a pre-event VIP party at Mill Valley’s Seager Gray Gallery.

The Mill Valley Library Foundation has raised more than $1.5M for an endowment and financial support of programs such as First Fridays and After Hours events, children and teen programming, and digital entertainment, all free to the public. In 2015 alone, the library offered more than 1,000 free programs.

“Programs like these make the library more relevant than ever,” said Anji Brenner, city librarian. Mill Valley Library ranks near the top in program attendance amongst libraries serving similar-sized populations.

Beyond the Book Bash is an evening full of enticing performances featuring nationally acclaimed and local Bay Area talent.

Come be entertained by a Pulitzer Prize winner, a NY Times Bestselling author, A Moth Story Grand Slam Champion, an award winning HBO Filmmaker, an author of 23 books, a master Def Jam slam Poet, and a local rising music star – all under one roof to celebrate and help fund the Mill Valley Library’s free programming.

Last year Beyond the Book Bash raised $100k thanks to our generous sponsors and those who attended the event. Proceeds from the event support Mill Valley Library programs and services and an endowment that will fund these community resources in perpetuity.

Sponsors also enjoy a VIP, pre-event party at the Seager Gray Gallery. Click here for sponsorship opportunities and join our growing list of sponsors.

Join us for the 7th Annual Beyond the Book Bash, a not-to-miss event that brings together literary luminaries and musical all stars in a captivating, rollicking, thought-provoking performance to raise funds for the Mill Valley Library on Friday, September 30, 2016.

One of Mill Valley’s most popular fall events, the Book Bash sells out every year. Guarantee your tickets by sponsoring before general tickets go on sale this summer.

Celebrate with a full bar, delicious desserts by local chefs and a live performance.

Last year Beyond the Book Bash raised $100k thanks to our generous sponsors and those who attended the event. Proceeds from the event provide critical funding to support Mill Valley Library programs and services and an endowment that will fund these community resources in perpetuity.